Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, offers a thrilling adventure with its scenic beauty and recreational activities. Situated in the northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the mountain offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life of Dubai. If you’re planning to visit Jebel Jais from Dubai, you’re in luck as it’s conveniently located just a few hours’ drive away. In this guide, we will explore various transportation options to reach Jebel Jais from Dubai and help you plan your visit to this beautiful mountain.
💡 Travel Tip: Jebel Jais is a popular mountain destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. When heading to Jebel Jais, don’t forget to take a cardigan or a little shawl to cover up against the wind and cold as it can be a lot colder on Jebel Jais than in Dubai.
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Ras Al Khaimah travel tips
- RAK is known for its amazing resorts and unspoilt beaches. I can personally recommend booking a room at The Cove Rotana Resort. If you have a bigger budget, check out Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.
- Book your slot for the Jebel Jais Zipline beforehand. They often run out of slots. You can book tickets here.
- On the way to Jebel Jais, there is an abandoned ghost village called Jazirat Al Hamra. It’s a pretty good stop to make if you are into photograpky.
- Traditional Café is one of the places where we often stopped on our way back to Dubai. The food is nice. It is cheap and the views are gorgeous – especially around sundown!
What transportation options are available to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai?
There are several transportation options available to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai:
- Car: Renting a car is a popular option for those who want the flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. The journey from Dubai to Jebel Jais takes around 2 hours and the road is well-maintained. You can check out car rentals here.
- Bus: Public buses are available from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, from where you can take a taxi or private car to Jebel Jais. The journey takes around 3 hours and is a budget-friendly option.
- Private car/taxi: Private cars and taxis can be hired from Dubai to Jebel Jais, and the journey takes around 2 hours. This option is convenient for those who prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free ride.
- Tour operator: There are several tour operators that offer day trips from Dubai to Jebel Jais, including transportation, activities, and guides. This option is ideal for those who want a fully-organized and guided experience. Check out some of the best tours on the website of Viator.
How to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai by Car
Taking a car from Dubai to Jebel Jais is the best way to explore the mountain and see more of the stunning views it has to offer. Renting a car in Dubai is a convenient option as there are many rental companies available at the airport, and it allows you to have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.
Driving to Jebel Jais from Dubai gives you the opportunity to take scenic detours and stop at different viewpoints along the way. You can also plan your trip according to your preferences and interests. For instance, you could visit the nearby Hajar mountains or stop by Ras Al Khaimah city for a quick break before continuing your journey to Jebel Jais.
Additionally, having a car means that you can stay longer at Jebel Jais and explore more of the mountain. You can drive up to the summit and enjoy the panoramic views, go on a hiking trail, or try out the famous zipline that stretches across the mountain.
Dubai to Jebel Jais from Dubai by bus
Public buses from Dubai to Hatta and Ras Al Khaimah are available, and the journey takes around 3 hours. This might seem like a budget-friendly option as you can save money by taking the bus instead of hiring a private car.
The bus will cost you between 20 to 30 AED. Do keep in mind that the bus to Ras Al Khaimah stops in the city centre which means you will need to make your own way to Jebel Jais.
From Ras Al Khaimah, you can take a taxi or private car to Jebel Jais. The taxi fare from Ras Al Khaimah to Jebel Jais is around AED 100, and the private car fare is around AED 200.
In the end, hiring a private car at 300 AED a day might be cheaper than taking the bus taking into account the both way taxi charges and cost for the bus. I would highly recommend hiring a car. If you don’t feel like doing so, book a tour here.
Dubai to Jebel Jais by Taxi
There are also taxis available to take you from Dubai to Jebel Jais. The cost of a taxi from Dubai to Jebel Jais is around AED 350. A return trip to Jebel Jais by taxi will set you back close to 700 AED. This is a more expensive option compared to the other transportation options. If you have money to burn, go ahead and book your self a taxi, if not, rent a car or book a tour.
Best tours from Dubai to Jebel Jais
If you’re looking for a fully-organized and hassle-free trip from Dubai to Jebel Jais, there are several tour operators that offer exciting day trips and activities. These tours provide transportation, guides, and a range of activities that are tailored to suit different interests and preferences. In this section, we will explore some of the best tours from Dubai to Jebel Jais, so you can choose the one that suits you best and have an unforgettable adventure in the UAE’s highest mountain.
Ras Al Khaima’s Jebel Jais Zipline
For adventure seekers, the Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais Zipline tour is an absolute must-do when visiting Jebel Jais. This tour takes you on an exhilarating flight over desert peaks and ravines, giving you an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other. Strap into a horizontal harness on a mountain platform and zoom through the air at speeds of up to 74 mph (120 kph) on what is the world’s longest zipline at 1.75 miles (2.83 kilometers).
This tour provides everything you need to enjoy a stress-free and thrilling adventure, including equipment, safety gear, and instructions. You can choose a time slot that suits your schedule, making it easy to fit this activity into your itinerary. Plus, you can upgrade your tour to include round-trip transfers from Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, ensuring that your experience is seamless and hassle-free.
The Jebel Jais Zipline tour takes you through ravines, gulleys, and jagged peaks, providing a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the stunning mountainous landscape. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling exhilarated and fulfilled. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to fly the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais mountain near Ras Al Khaimah.
Check price and availability of the Ras Al Khaima’s Jebel Jais Zipline tour
Private Hiking Guide in Ras Al Khaimah
For those looking to explore the stunning landscape of Ras Al Khaimah on foot, the Private Hiking Guide tour is the perfect choice. With the most spectacular and breathtaking hikes in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is a hiking enthusiast’s paradise. This tour takes you on an adventure to explore some of the most remote mountain villages, green plantations, and wildlife that can only be accessed by foot.
The highlight of the tour is reaching the summit of Jebel Jais at 1900m, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape. You can also hike down into some sheer wadis and experience the thrill of exploring new places and seeing beautiful landscapes.
One of the best things about this tour is that it’s completely customizable. As a private activity, the guide can tailor the hike to your specific needs and preferences, taking you to places that you wish to see. With the Private Hiking Guide tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover new places, see beautiful landscapes, and experience the thrill of adventure in Ras Al Khaimah.
Check out price and availability of the Privita Hiking Guide in Ras Al Khaimah
Private Jabal Al Jais Tour
For travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai and experience the natural beauty of the UAE, the Private Jabal Al Jais Tour is an excellent choice. The soaring peak of Jabal Al Jais is the highest point in the United Arab Emirates, reaching up to 6,266 feet (1,910 meters) above sea level. On this private tour, you’ll embark on a thrilling road trip to Jabal Al Jais in the comfort of a private vehicle.
As you journey to the mountaintop, you’ll have the flexibility to stop as many times as you like to admire the views and take photos. The views from the mountaintop are absolutely breathtaking, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape that you won’t soon forget.
This private tour ensures the undivided attention of your guide, who will be there to answer any questions you have and provide insight into the history and significance of Jabal Al Jais. With hassle-free pickup and private transport from your Dubai hotel, you can relax and enjoy the journey.
One of the best things about this tour is its flexibility. You can choose a departure time that suits your schedule, making it perfect for travelers with limited time in Dubai.
Check out price and availability of the Private Jabal Al Jais Tour
A Full Day Ras Al Khaimah Historic & Landscape Tour
If you want to explore more of the United Arab Emirates than just the well-known cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a full day tour of Ras Al Khaimah is a great option. This private tour will take you on a journey through the historic town, which is often overlooked by tourists but has plenty of sights to see. The tour includes a visit to the park, zoo, Dhayah Fort, and the national museum, but you can customize the itinerary to include any other attractions you would like to see.
Your driver will accompany you for the entire day, making it easy to move from one destination to the next. The best part is that you do not have to worry about transportation, as round-trip transfers from your hotel are included. You will have plenty of time to explore the town and learn about its history and culture. With no fixed itinerary, you have the freedom to create a personalized experience that suits your interests and preferences.
Check out the price and availability for this full day Ras Al Khaimah Historic and Landscape tour
What are the best things to do on Jebel Jais?
Jebel Jais offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do on Jebel Jais:
- Zipline: Experience the thrill of flying on the world’s longest zipline, which stretches over 2.8 kilometers and reaches speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Check out price and availability here.
- Hiking: Explore the stunning landscape of Jebel Jais on foot with a hike to the summit or through the wadis and valleys. Check out price and availability of hiking tours.
- Scenic Drive: Take a drive along the winding roads of Jebel Jais and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the campgrounds located on the mountain and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Stargazing: Jebel Jais offers a clear view of the night sky, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
- Photography: Jebel Jais offers some of the most stunning and picturesque views in the UAE, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
- Relaxation: Simply relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Jebel Jais, enjoying the natural beauty and fresh mountain air.
FAQ
What is the best way to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai?
The best way to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai is by car or by tour. Taking a bus or a taxi can be great, but very expensive.
What is the cheapest way to get to Jebel Jais?
The cheapest way to get to Jebel Jais from Dubai is by rental car. You can rent a car at Dubai Airport. Check out the cheapest prices here.
Are you planning a trip from Dubai to Jebel Jais? Whether you’re visiting the UAE for business or pleasure, the Jebel Jais mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Reaching it by road can be quite daunting at times, so here’s a guide to help you plan your journey!
In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to get from Dubai to Jebel Jais. We’ll also include tips on how to find the fastest route and provide advice on the best way to save money along the way.
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!
Thanks for your information. I have wanted to visit Jebel Jais for a long time. I just did not know how!
Hi Jhuma! My husband and I were the same! We wanted to visit but had no idea how… until we rented a car!
Where I can rent car for jais?
Hi R!
There are loads of car hire companies at the airport. Alternatively, you can google car hire companies in your area.